MSD Gear Installation on MSD Ford Distributors - Manual

M S D I G N I T I O N • w w w . m s d i g n i t i o n . c o m • ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • FA X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4
© 2007 Autotronic Controls Corporation
FRM28590 Revised 05/07 Printed in U.S.A.
Gear Installation on MSD Ford Distributors
It is recommended to send your Ford Distributor to MSD to have a new gear installed. The installa-
tion process requires a press fit and the need for special tools to achieve proper installation without
damaging the shaft, gear or housing. If returning the distributor to MSD is not an option, a quality
machine shop may also be able to install your new gear.
1. With the endplay of the distributor shaft removed, measure the distance from the bottom of the gear
to the bottom of the mounting flange (Figure 1). It should be within the specifications shown.
2. Scribe a mark on the shaft at the bottom of the gear. This will aid in the installation position of the
new gear.
3. Remove the original roll pin and remove the press fit gear. Use extreme care not to damage the
end of the shaft where it meshes with the oil pump.
4. Position the gear so the new roll pin will enter the shaft 90° from the original hole. (Lining up the
original hole is possible, but a new hole will likely be machined.)
5. Press the new gear into position on the shaft. Measure the distance as shown in Figure 1 before
drilling the new roll pin hole.
6. Carefully drill a 0.125” hole through the shaft using the gear as a guide.
7. Install the new 1/8” spiral roll pin.
CAUTION: If the gear is installed improperly, severe damage to the distributor and/or engine block
will occur!
Press firmly
to take out
all end play
before mea-
suring.
Thrust Collar
4.005" Max.
3.996" Min.
Figure 1 Gear Installation Specifications
On the MSD FE Dis-
tributor, PN 8594,
the spec is:
3.045" - 3.050".
1.750"